27 Jan 3 moves for ultimate core strength – VIDEO
3 Moves for Ultimate Core Strength
Having a 6 pack may be visually appealing, but it does not mean you have core strength. I learned this the hard way a few years ago when I was dealing with what was coined to me as “irreversible back pain”.
Being “fit” means different things to different people. To me, it means moving without stiffness, being strong enough to lift your own body weight, being pain free and being able to be as active as you want to be. Having CORE strength is the most important variable in all of this.
A strong core (i.e. abs, midsection, back) provides stability for your body and the core muscles also function to keep your insides in, where they belong. A strong core will change the way your body functions and feels. In this short video, I share three exercises to help alleviate lower back pain and strengthen that core.
Core Exercise #1 – Plank with a Roll Over
Planks are an amazing exercise to develop that core, flatten out that belly, but overall, work other areas of the body at the same time, which means you are training functionally. From a plank position on your hands, roll over to one side as slowly as you need to go. When you run out of room, roll back to the other side.
Core Exercise #2 – Plank with Push Up and Twist
I love this one! Starting in a plank position on your hands, with your feet a little bit wider a part, take it down into a push up and as you come up, twist your body open to one side. Continue and alternate sides each time. Push Down, Back Up and Twist!
Core Exercise #3 – Plank with a Knee Tuck
On this last exercise, you can start in one of two positions; on your forearms or your hands and bring your left knee to your left elbow and alternate sides, taking your right knee to your right elbow (outside to outside). If you are more advanced, you can take one knee to the opposite elbow (outside to inside), alternating sides.
Again, all of these exercises work several areas of your body and they can be fun! You can start with one minute of each of these exercises, but if you aren’t feeling it, challenge yourself and do whatever is intense for you! Remember to focus on your form and keep that core engaged at all times!
“Be Happy…Be Healthy…Be Fit!”
Natalie Jill
Get all of you flat belly and ab questions answered HERE
To get the best of my body weight exercises (with a section dedicated to CORE exercises), check out my REV4 DVD Here.
